Mike's Hikes: The Five Peak Feat

In celebration of ABF’s 50th Anniversary, we’re making the effort to hike to the top of 5 of the most iconic peaks in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

Join fitness enthusiast and hike leader Mike Puzzo for a series of 5 strenuous hikes to some of the most popular and iconic peaks of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. These hikes are NOT interpretive walks, they are strenuous, fast-paced hikes intended for experienced hikers in good physical condition looking for some guidance up to the top of our desert peaks.

All participants should be very experienced hikers, accustomed to full day, 10+ mile strenuous hikes. Each person should be prepared with their own essentials- water, food, clothing… the works. Due to the difficulty of these hikes, the hike leader reserves the right to turn a participant away if deemed unprepared.

November 19, 2016Whale Peak7 a.m. – 5 p.m.Our kickoff hike of the season will be up the iconic Whale Peak, offering a glimpse of transitional vegetation as we make our way to the summit. This is an 8-mile, off-trail adventure that will take us the whole day and reward us with breathtaking views in all directions.

December 17, 2016Indian Head Peak 6:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.Arguably the most iconic peak in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Indian Head Peak looms above the town of Borrego Springs, giving character to the ridgeline. This hike is for very advanced hikers capable to traversing steep off-trail routes on loose footing while dodging the ever-present agave and cholla. Indian Head is a steep, 8-mile, off trail adventure that is not for the casual adventurer.

January 21, 2017Villager Peak 6:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.Nestled among other iconic peaks in the Santa Rosa Mountains ridgeline, Villager Peak is a true adventure in stamina. This faint trail steamrolls right up Villager Peak and seems to never quit, climbing higher and higher. This is the longest of our Mike’s Hikes at 13 miles, and will require us to keep moving with few breaks. Although Villager has stable footing and a faint trail, the continuous incline makes for a very long and tiring day of hiking.

February 25, 2017Sombrero Peak 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.Visible on the skyline from many points in the southern area of the Park, Sombrero Peak is a standout and our only Mike’s Hike to venture this far south. We will be starting out from the Bow Willow Campground and continuing on a 12-mile adventurous journey to the summit of this aptly-named peak.

March 25, 2017Sunset Mountain 6:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunset Mountain stands strong almost in the middle of the North to South stretch of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. A pillar of pink in the evening light, this strenuous 6-mile trek will take us on a boulder scramble like no other, with rewards well worth the effort.